Emin Tower (Sugong Minerat)

Locatedin Mura Village 2 kilometers to the east of the city of Turfa , the Emin Tower was built in the 41st year of the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty and is the biggest existing ancient tower in Xinjiang. It is an embodiment of the ancient architectural arts of the Uygur nationality. It was built by Sulaiman, the prefect of Turfan in the Qing Dynasty, to commemorate his father Emin Khoja who achieved brilliant military successes in safeguarding the unification of the country. The tower is 37 meters high and 10 meters in diameter at the base. The body of the tower is cylindroid in shape, built with bricks arranged in various symmetrical patterns on the outer wall. The tower has 14 windows and a spiral stairs inside it leading to the top. There is a mosque nearby, of which the hall can hold up one thousand people attending service. It has already been listed as a major cultural site under state protection.